John 10:2-4 “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

John 10:7 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me”

Much like a mother who can somehow distinguish the unique cry of her baby from the cry of every other baby, Jesus knows each and every one of ‘his’ sheep. He calls them by name. Every one. What’s more, those who are his can distinguish the sound of his voice from every other spirit or voice trying to lead them off. Like stubborn children they do not always respond (right away, anyway) to the call of their master, though they recognize his voice all the same and know it is meant for them. It isn’t possible for you to get lost, or get taken, without Jesus our good shepherd knowing you are gone! He calls you by name and says “follow me”. You know it is safe and the right thing to do because you recognize his voice. Why do you think the devil creates so much noise in your life? You won’t follow a stranger’s voice but if he can just drowned out the shepherd’s voice - perhaps you’ll miss his moving on. Jesus knows you intimately, by name. He calls loud enough for you to hear. Are you listening? Then follow him. You know and trust him. He’s waiting.

Pray: “Father, please forgive me all the times I heard the calling of my shepherd and chose not to follow because I wanted my own way or simply chose to ignore him. Lord Jesus, I do know you and I know you know me; better than I know myself even. Where you lead, Lord, I will follow. I will listen today and every day for your voice. Thank you for not leaving me behind. Thank you for counting me as one of your flock. Thank you, God, for such an amazingly wonderful Shepherd in whose name I pray - Amen.”